Media Release
10 March 2004

Take a walk in someone else's shoes this Race Relations Day

March 21 is Race Relations Day and this year the Human Rights Commission is encouraging people to "take a walk in someone else's shoes - hikoitia ngà tapuwae o te hunga kº".

This year's theme is all about looking at issues from the perspective of others, and in doing so, learning about other cultures in order to develop greater understanding, respect and appreciation - all contributing to a harmonious and diverse nation.

March 21 is recognised around the world as the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and has been observed in New Zealand for the past 35 years, the last two years as Race Relations Day.

Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres sees the day as an opportunity for New Zealanders to talk about race relations issues, look at ourselves as a Pacific Nation and to celebrate the cultural diversity of our country.

"New Zealand is home to a diverse population in which people as responsible citizens must work out ways to ensure we all have an equal sense of belonging and that our various cultures are accepted and respected."

Mr de Bres has asked community and business groups, local councils and churches to consider ways that they can use this day to promote dialogue and harmonious race relations in their communities.

Events and activities are planned throughout the country from the preceding week through to the day itself. These include multi-ethnic festivals, school projects and celebrations, expos and workshops. A number of media organisations will also be featuring or profiling Race Relations Day 2004.

A summary of events is included below. The Commission is also encouraging organisations and community groups to let us know what events they are planning for Race Relations Day so that these can be added to the HRC web site. Contact: richardn@hrc.co.nz

For further information or copies of the Race Relations Day 2004 visit the Race Relations Day 2004 section of the HRC website: http://www.hrc.co.nz/rrd04.

Race Relations Day Events around New Zealand

Auckland

* Saturday 13 March: Pasifika
Auckland's foremost Pacific festival will take place at Western Springs from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. Details at www.aucklandcity.govt.nz

* Sunday 14th March: Refugee and Migrant Expo, Rawene.

* Friday 12 March - Wednesday 17 March: St Patricks Festival
A whole week of events to mark St Patrick's Day. For more information see the events section on www.ireland.co.nz.

* Thursday 18 March - Saturday 20 March: ASB Bank Auckland Secondary Schools Maori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival at Manukau Sports Bowl, www.polyfest.co.nz.

* Friday 19 March: Address to Waitakere City Council staff
By the Race Relations Commissioner at Waitakere City Council Chambers from 11am-1pm.

* Sunday 21 March: Waitakere City Council Symposium - "Te Mana I Waitangi: Human Rights and the Treaty of Waitangi"
Featuring guest speakers and lunch at Waitakere City Council Chambers, 6 Waipareira Avenue, Henderson, Waitakere City, from 10am - 3pm. For more information: www.hrc.co.nz/treaty

* Sunday 21 March: St Johns Theological College Celebratory Umu & Hangi
St John's Road, Meadowbank.

* Monday 22 March: Manukau City Council Race Relations Day Event featuring guest speakers and shared ethnic lunch at Council Chambers, Papatoetoe - 10am-1pm.

* Friday 26 March: Auckland Regional Migrant Service (ARMS) - One year anniversary celebrations of opening of migrant resource centre at Three Kings Plaza, 532 Mt Albert Rd, Three Kings. Open day for public in afternoon.

Christchurch

* Saturday 13 March: Linwood Cultural Festival

Experience the world and celebrate cultural diversity! Over 50 different ethnic groups offer cultural performances and demonstrations, a huge variety of ethnic foods, art and craft for sale and loads of fun activities for the whole family. BYO rug/chairs and make a day of it (Parking available onsite)! Ray Blank Park, Maidstone Rd, Ilam from 12pm to 4pm.

* Wednesday 17 March: Race Relations Commissioner, Joris de Bres, will speak on current issues in race relations at the ESOL Home Tutor Service AGM at 8.00pm.

* Wednesday 24 March - Saturday 27 March: NZ Sister Cities Conference hosted by Christchurch City

Dunedin

* Saturday 20 March: Dunedin Ethnic Diversity Day
The Mayor and the Ethnic Council will host a cultural event at the Glenroy in the Dunedin Town Hall from 11.00-2.00pm. The Race Relations Commissioner will be the guest speaker. For further information contact Vanessa Reddy at vreddy@dcc.govt.nz or visit the Council's website at www.dcc.govt.nz

Nelson

* Saturday 20 March: Race Unity Day
A multicultural festival in Anzac Park will run from 11am to 4pm

Palmerston North

* Saturday-Sunday 20-21 March: Festival of Cultures
Festival of Cultures in the Square, starting at 10.00am on Saturday. One of Palmerston North's icon events celebrating the city's cultural diversity. Food, craft and art stalls and stage entertainment during Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st with a family concert in the Square. Plus exhibitions, displays, theatre and more at other city venues. See www.foc.org.nz

* Saturday 20 March: Young Heart: Easy Living Business Forum.
Sponsored by Vision Manawatu and the Palmerston North City Council. The workshop will focus on the Manawatu's international focus and its cultural diversity. For more information contact: cara@visionmanawatu.org.nz

* Saturday 20 March: A Knight Under the Stars
A concert in the Square featuring Sir Howard Morrison, starting at 7.30 pm.

Rotorua

* Friday 19 March: Waiariki Institute of Technology, Race Relations Day Event
Join guest speaker Jill Chrisp (Human Rights Commission) for a shared ethnic meal at the Kaiwhata Restaurant at 4.30pm.

* Sunday 21 March: Workshop on Scottish and Maori Instrumental Music
Te Ha o te Whenua Charitable Trust will be opening a series of workshops that will explore the traditions of Scottish and Maori instrumental music, entitled Kei Kona Te Ha Me Te Wairua - There the Breath with the Spirit. For further information visit www.rotoruanz.com

Taranaki

* Saturday March 27: Multi-Ethnic Extravaganza
This annual event has become a major attraction in New Plymouth, with a march of nations through the main street followed by entertainment, food and craft stalls at Yarrow Stadium from 11.15-5.00 pm. Visit www.npdc.govt.nz

Tauranga

* Saturday 13 March: Tauranga's 5th Ethnic Festival
The Tauranga Regional Ethnic Council is bringing together culture, dance, food and arts and crafts to encourage and introduce some of the 70 migrant communities living in Tauranga to the wider community. A Celebration of New Zealand Multiculturalism at Wharepai Domain starting at 10.00 am. For more information contact Rosa (07) 578 9511 or Tracey (07) 928 8777

* Thursday 18 March: Association of Social Services Enriching Tauranga Symposium - "Te Mana I Waitangi: Human Rights and the Treaty of Waitangi" - featuring guest speakers and lunch at Compass Community Village, 17th Avenue West, Tauranga from 10.30am - 3.30pm. For more information: www.hrc.co.nz/treaty

* Sunday 21 March: Race Relations Day
Cultural entertainment and food stall organised by the Tauranga Regional Ethnic Council at the Edgewater Fan from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm

Wellington

* Saturday 28 February - Sunday 25 April: Gandhi - A photo exhibition
Pataka Museum, Porirua.

* Tuesday 16 March: NZCPL Lecture by the Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres on "Current Issues in Race Relations"
Joris de Bres will present his second annual overview of race relations, addressing some of the issues currently in the public debate from the perspective of New Zealand's international obligations under the Convention for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This free public lecture will be held in Lecture Theatre 2, Rear Courtyard, Old Government Buildings from 12.30-1.30pm

* Saturday 20 March: Health & Well-being Expo
Cultural performances and information stalls at Canons Creek from 9am-6pm.

* Sunday 21 March: Race Relations Day in Civic Square

* Race down to Civic Square on Sunday 21 March for Race Relations Day - a fun family event celebrating Wellington's diverse cultures. There'll be performers, food stalls, and arts and crafts from all over the world. There'll also be a debate on race relations in New Zealand, and the Japanese Embassy will be showing a free film at the Japan Information and Cultural Centre. For more information contact nadia.fawzi@wcc.govt.nz or visit the Council's website www.wcc.govt.nz * Saturday 27 March: Hutt City Race Unity Day
Come to Naenae and help celebrate our community's cultural diversity. Tickle your taste buds with some traditional ethnic foods and watch performances from a diverse range of cultures. 11am-3.00 pm. On the lawn, south of Naenae pool, Everest Ave, Naenae. Details on www.huttcity.govt.nz

ENDS

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